Staff Profiles

Since the announcement of federal government support for AMSA as part of the National Male Health Policy AMSA has now been in the position to recruit new staff to provide direct assistance to your shed. It is now very exiting times and I hope you all welcome the new staff and utilise the expertise they bring to AMSA and our members. All AMSA Staff can be contacted on 1300 550 009

		Melissa White: Membership / Administration Manager Melissa has had 30 years experience in the Customer service industry, from working behind a bar to managing a motel, and brings a wealth of knowledge in dealing with people. She was employed with Centacare for 5 years where she was introduced to the Men’s Shed concept. Within her role with Centacare she provided admin support to AMSA as it came into fruition. She has been employed with AMSA from its conception and enjoys the challenges of working within such a fast paced, quick growing organisation. Mel is the first pint of contact with many developing sheds and has established lasting relationships with each AMSA member that has given her a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the Mens Shed Culture. Mel can be contacted by Phone: 1300 550 009 Email: amsa @mensshed.net

		Liz MacDonald: Shed Development Manager Liz MacDonald Shed Development Manager Liz spent 20 years with the NSW Department of Education as a secondary teacher within the Social Services faculty- Geography Economics. During this time she also held numerous welfare related positions within schools including Year Advisor roles. Over the past 16 years Liz worked for a national NGO in the welfare field as a Community Development Manager, project managing a variety of government funded programs. In her role, Liz was actively involved in men’s shed development since 2004. She was also been successful in submitting grant applications and securing substantial funding from government departments and other funding sources such as the Federal Jobs and Innovations Funds as well as charitable foundations. Liz came to AMSA in July 2011 and currently oversees the Australian Government Shed Development Grants program. She brings a wealth of knowledge regarding men’s shed development and their sustainability, grant writing and project management. Liz can be contacted by Email: liz @mensshed.net
		Gary Green: Community Engagement Coordinator Gary is a Registered Nurse (Mental Health) and has been involved in Men’s Sheds and Men’s Health for the past 12 years. Employed as the Community Health Nurse in Orbost for 10 years Gary was responsible for the Orbost Men’s Shed and later the Cabbage Tree Creek Men’s Shed as well as other Men’s Health initiatives. In 2005, with a team of helpers, Gary organised the First Men’s Shed Conference held in Lakes Entrance Victoria where 180 attendees attended. At this conference the idea of forming the Australian Men’s Shed Association was raised and decided on by those attending. Gary was also part of the original steering committee for AMSA and has also held positions with the Victorian Men’s Shed Association since it’s inception in 2007. These experiences have provided Gary with wide ranging knowledge about men and Men’s Sheds and he is proud to be part of the Men’s Health and Men’s Sheds movement. Gary can be contacted by Email: gary@mensshed.net